AMHERST, MASS., Jan. 15, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Regional Economic Models Inc. (REMI) and Spectrum Gaming Group have joined forces to help national, state and local governments assess and understand the economic impacts of casino gaming in their markets, and to plan their future.

Spectrum, based in Linwood, NJ, has worked with REMI – the undisputed leader in modeling economic impacts in multiple industries – in various jurisdictions, ranging from Connecticut and Massachusetts to Florida, Iowa, Illinois and Kentucky. Their professionals have examined existing markets, such as New Jersey and Connecticut, and have helped emerging markets understand the complex nature of authorizing casino gaming as an economic stimulus.

This latest effort will lead to a variety of opportunities for planners, economists, regulators, elected officials and others to understand gaming, and to be able to separate myths from reality. Such opportunities will include webinars, as well as invitation-only conferences and special events for various gaming stakeholders. The effort will be led by Rod Motamedi of REMI, Michael Pollock of Spectrum, and other professionals, such as noted gaming economist Douglas Walker, PhD., who has worked with Spectrum on multiple projects as well.

Mr. Motamedi is a Senior Economic Associate at REMI, who joined the company in 2007. He leads REMI's in-house consulting projects which have included studies on immigration, healthcare policy, gaming, and energy.

"No policy choice occurs in a vacuum and without nuance," Mr. Motamedi said. "A gaming study is also an analysis of tax, transportation, tourism, public health, and economic development issues. It takes a diverse and experienced team to make sense of it all."

Mr. Pollock, a Spectrum Managing Director, has been studying the impacts of gaming since 1982, and is the author of the award-winning book, "Hostage to Fortune: Atlantic City and Casino Gambling," published in 1987 by the Center for Analysis of Public Issues in Princeton, NJ.

"Spectrum fundamentally believes that gaming's impacts are always evolving, and can be guided by proper planning and a complete understanding of this industry's past, present and future," Mr. Pollock said. "We examine everything from employment and tax policies, to the impacts on education and various public services."

For more information, please contact Allison McCoy, SVP of Business Development at amccoy@spectrumgaming.com or 1-609-926-5100.

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